Play on the drive shaft

[jan lauwers]

Hello gentlemen,

What I thought was going to be a cheap and easy problem to resolve, is turning in yet another challenge.

I wanted to have the drive shaft re-balanced and, while at it, the bearing replaced. The specialist drew my attention to the fact that there is quite a bit of play on the U coupling in middle of the shaft. He also made my day by telling me that this is not an easy thing to repair, plus, I run the risk of damaging the AT if I don't resolve it. He tells me that on a 280SL the cross is pressed in and impossible to replace. What is the truth? Do I need to buy a new shaft? Not only do I expect that to cost an arm and a leg, it seems not available either... at least not from the german suppliers that I know. What should I do?

Thanks again!

Jan

[Tyler S]

I know your overseas but you might give these guys a call. They specalize in MB driveshafts. They rebuild the shafts and while doing so they machine groves in the yolks to accept snap rings so that the U-joints can be replaced/serviced. If anything they may be able to tell your guy how to go about it. Have used them before. Excellent work.
http://www.beyerdriveline.com

[mbzse]

.../... They rebuild the shafts and while doing so they machine groves in the yolks to accept snap rings so that the U-joints can be replaced/serviced.../...

Well, IMHO if you replace a U joint today, it should be good for some 30-40 yrs to come. So, enabling a disassembly is not a primary concern, he he...
The 230 SL (early) M-B drive shaft U-jounts were of a type which can be opened up, for re-furbishing. The later,  280 SL type were (as Jan writes) peened, so best replaced. Shaft then needs re-balancing.
Attached are pictures of late type U-joint (detail) and drive shaft showing the two unversal joints

PS. I suggest this thread is moved to heading "Drive train,fuel, suspension, steering & brakes

[Tyler S]

Hans, yes I am refering to the later style (280) peened joints. The company adds the grooves in order to be able to reuse the original yolks. It is a stronger way of securing the u joints. It is for assembly, Whether or not you service them down the road. Peening or staking in place has never been a great way of holding (anything) in place.

[tel76]

Jan,
A couple of years ago I was informed that there was a company in the UK that would/could repair the peened prop: shafts, I never followed up the advice because my shaft was serviceable, the company is-
Bradford Prop shafts, Peter Liester, (0) 1274 305566.
Would be worth a phone call.